The manual conversion
(this is a continuation of our Project S13 saga, Part I is here, Part II is here)
So where are we? I'd purchased the car back, it was in it's rightful garage, and all was right with the world. Or was it? The previous owner had been told by a certain performance workshop that there was a loud bearing knock coming from the engine. It certainly sounded that way, but it was at this point that I enlisted the help of Andrew @ SX Developments. His diagnosis (to my surprise, and to his) was actually a power steering pump that was on the way out. A quick trip to a wrecker in western Sydney meant that I had a supposedly tested and working CA non-HICAS power steering pump. Andrew installed it and the noise was gone! BRILLIANT. We had a perfectly working CA18DET engine with low kilometres, a rare combination these days.
The next big change was a manual conversion. Automatic transmissions in S13/S14/S15 are notoriously boring to drive, unlike a lot of more modern autos that are around today. Again with Andrew's help, the conversion was completed on a garage floor, on carstands...!
Take one manual transmission....
...and a whole heap of manual transmission parts
The conversion itself is fairly straight forward. You need to drill a hole in the firewall (which is already marked out) for the clutch master cylinder, and the wiring loom needs to be modified slightly for the reverse lights to work. One thing we struggled with in a big way was removing the old automatic pilot bushing to fit the manual spiggot bushing. Despite all the usual methods, we couldn't get the damn thing out - even after purchasing a special (useless) pilot bearing removal tool. In the end, Andrew welded a plate onto it and the tool finally worked. When all was said and done, the conversion to manual opened up a whole new world of driving experience with my Silvia. It may sound cliche, but its true. I still think it was the best money I have ever spent on my car!
Let there be light!
So, if you have read the previous post in the Project S13 saga then you will know that I was forced to sell my Silvia, just after it arrived from Japan.
Well, about six months later, I was leisurely browsing Carsales.com.au, as you do. My eyes literally nearly popped out of my head when I saw a familiar looking vehicle...could it be? I remember hastily clicking on the ad and as I scrolled through the photos I knew it was my car. Back up for sale. Again! Cheap!! Really cheap!!!
My mind, I seem to recall, was racing. The financial side of things was a big concern at the time - could I afford to buy it? Probably not. Could I afford not to buy it? Definitely not.
There was a certain sense of irony when I went to 'inspect' the vehicle. It hadn't really changed much, as one would expect. Thankfully, it had actually been really well looked after. The owner had spent a fair amount of coin getting the car serviced in a major way (and one prominent Sydney workshop had more or less taken him to the cleaners). He had also installed a few cosmetic modifications, namely a pretty horrible set of rims, some Chinese gauges (not even hooked up), a GReddy turbo timer, a Momo Race steering wheel, a Turbosmart blow-off valve, and an expensive stereo. Other than that, the car was just as I had sold it to him.
The owner just wanted out. He had decided that he really wanted a ute after all, and the Silvia had started to make this 'nasty' noise from the engine - hence the cheap price. I hoped that the noise was nothing too serious, took a deep breath, and handed over the money. She was mine again. I was ecstatic. Then the fun really started!
(to be continued)
In the beginning
My name's Pete, and I started JDM Obsession back in late 2009. I have, however, had this S13 for a fair while longer. I've owned many cars and quite a few imports (including two other S13s) but this one is the most special!
The JDM Obsession Project S13, as it stands in March 2012.
Where do I begin? For a car that has been such a huge part of my life, it seems difficult to summarise all the modifications, maintenance, and restoration work that has happened - and the overall evolution of the car itself.
The car itself was purchased in late 2007 at auction in Japan. I am forever indebted to Kristian Appelt of Iron Chef Imports who was the import broker and acquired the car for me in Japan. Kristian answered all my questions and it was a very smooth process with no hiccups along the way. If you ever want to import a car, Kristian is the guy to see. He is also very honest, a rather rare attribute in this industry! Further, he also is the founder of All Japan Day - a great 'grass roots' car show which I have had the pleasure of attending. (Be sure to check it out if you ever get the chance).
I remember seeing the car on his website for the first time. It looked fairly non-descript, stock standard, dare I say boring? The sad reality is that most Silvias do look look a bit boring when they are stock standard (except the S15). Here are the photos from the holding yard in Japan:
Holding yard in Japan, looking dirty!
Note no spoiler from factory, which is definitely good!
The interior looked neat - no cracks in the dash
The engine bay was dirty, but looked stock
Clean apart from the bird poo on the bonnet! Note the factory option parking antenna.
So Kristian made light work of the whole shebang - it was a simple case of 'won the car at auction, pay the money, get the import approval, and let's get it on a boat!' After a long and anxious wait, I received news that the car had landed in Brisbane and was to be transported down on a truck. More anxiety set in as the car seemingly 'disappeared' in transit, finally arriving several days late. I will never forget the day the car arrived on the flat-bed. The towie was pissed off as it was raining heavily, but his mood brightened when he saw the huge grin on my face. The car - my Silvia - had travelled some 10,000km across land and sea, but was finally mine! It was everything I expected and more! The condition was absolutely fantastic. The car was previously a one-owner vehicle, with 70,000km on the clock. Though the logbooks disappeared somewhere in Japan, the condition of the car itself and the litany of Nissan dealership service stickers throughout the doors/engine bay were definite proof that the kilometres on the cluster were legitimate. Interestingly, the car itself had a May 1988 build date - meaning that this was manufactured in the first month that the S13 Silvia was produced.
Inside the car was perfect, with unmarked seats, no cracks on the dash, and the original cardboard tags that were delivered with the car brand new were also carefully stored in the center console. The seats looked like they hadn't been sat in.
The car itself was stock standard, down to the stereo, wheels, and exhaust. Truly original. The full specs were as follows:
5/1988 Nissan Silvia Ks
CA18DET
Automatic
70,000km
Optional wind deflectors
Optional parking antenna
The joy was short lived.
Due to adverse personal circumstances, I was forced to sell my Silvia. Only a week after it had arrived, I was being forced to advertise the car, before I had even driven it. At this stage the car wasn't complied or registered. Would I find a buyer? Shortly after advertising it, a local bloke (actually a police officer) rang me and popped round with his dad to take a look. They were impressed, and agreed to buy it, as long as I could get it complied.
The car itself was brought in under the pre-1989 rule, so it only required a few things like side intrusion bars in the doors and child restraint points, as well as updated seat belts. I dropped the car off at a compliance workshop in Moorebank, never to see it again. I was to pay the compliance workshop and the happy new owner would pick it up, get it registered, and drive off into the sunset!
I actually thought about the car quite often - wondering if it would still be a stock vehicle, or if it had been crashed, drifted, fitted with chrome wheels, or worse. I truly thought I would never see it again.
(to be continued)
Product spotlight: GReddy Profec B Spec II EBC
The GReddy Profec B Spec II Electronic Boost Controller is the updated and revised version of the ever popular Profec B.
The Profec B Spec II integrates all the basics of an electronic boost controller, with additional advanced options. You can use the built-in boost gauge (psi or kPa) to tune in a low boost and high boost setting, then optimise consistency and response with the gain function, and adjust the start gain to set initial wastegate response.
Also featured is an optional warning point, warning limiter, and peak & last boost record. The unit is compatible with integral and external wastegates.
All these features are contained in a small black unit which is compact in size and thus able to be mounted in a discreet location.
Part number: 15500209
Product spotlight – GReddy Full Auto Timer II
The GReddy Full Auto Timer II is the updated and revised version of the GReddy Full Auto Timer, which set the standard for advanced turbo timers.
The GReddy Full Auto Timer II is designed to prolong the life of your turbocharger, without the inconvenience of sitting in your car for a cool-down period. Instead, the GReddy Full Auto Turbo Timer allows a vehicle to idle the engine for a user-defined time period with the ignition key removed. This conveniently allows the engine oil and turbo center cartridge to cool down properly, helping to prolong turbo and oil life. This can be done by two standard programmable count down presets (P-1, P-2), or the GReddy Full Auto Timer II can use its two auto timer modes (A-L, A-H). The auto modes intelligently estimate the driving RPM according to the vehicle's alternator signal and then recommend a count down time. A stop watch/lap time and attack mode along with a built in voltmeter and speedometer are also standard features.
There are also optional easy to install plug-in adapter harnesses available for most Japanese turbo vehicles.
The new GReddy Full Auto Timer II is black in colour, and features a separate compact remote display which can be mounted virtually anywhere in the cabin.
Part number: 15500022
Product spotlight – GReddy Spec LS Intercooler Kits
This month we are running a special on GReddy Spec LS Intercooler Kits, with prices starting at just $649.
At JDM Obsession we believe that these are a great value high-quality kit and an ideal 'first step' modification.
What's included in a GReddy Spec LS Intercooler Kit?
These are a complete kit, meaning that included in the box is:
- GReddy Spec LS Intercooler Core (highly polished finish, core size: 600x284x76mm)
- GReddy Aluminium Intercooler Piping (application specific, for perfect fitment every time)
- GReddy Silicon Hose Joiners
- GReddy Hose Clamps
The brilliant thing about the Spec LS kits is that they typically bolt straight on, with little or no modification required. If you are handy with a spanner, installation is easy. If you are in Sydney, professional installation can also be arranged for a small fee.
What sets the GReddy Spec LS apart from cheaper intercoolers?
This is an important question to ask!
Firstly, when considering a front mount intercooler, there are usually two types of core - bar and plate, and tube and fin. Generally, cheaper intercooler kits (no-name brands and so forth) are bar and plate, whilst the GReddy Spec LS (and the other more expensive GReddy kits) are tube and fin.
Tube and fin cores are lighter than bar and plate cores. Due to the shape of the tubes, tube and fin cores also allow air to pass through to the radiator with less turbulence.
The other big difference between cheap and nasty kits is the quality of the piping, hoses, and clamps.
Time and time again we have heard stories from customers who have bought a cheap no-name kit only to find that fitment of the kit was unacceptable, with a lot of cutting required to get the piping fitting correctly. This is often because the cheap no-name kits are a poor imitation of genuine quality brands - but this is a whole different can of worms and something that we will discuss in more detail in another post!
Lastly, GReddy intercoolers are an original design, made by TRUST in Japan. GReddy intercoolers are a trusted and proven solution, used by countless modifiers worldwide. When you buy a GReddy Spec LS Intercooler Kit from JDM Obsession you are buying the real deal, genuine TRUST/GReddy product - and supporting a manufacturer that is constantly investing money in developing new and exciting products and technologies! We do not, have not, and will not ever sell counterfeit products.
Applications available
12030427 Mitsubishi CN9A Evo 4/5/6
12030428 Mitsubishi CT9A Evo 7/8
12030429 Mitsubishi CT9A Evo 9
12010460 Toyota JZX90
12010461 Toyota JZX100
12010462 Toyota JZX110
12010463 Toyota JZS147
12010464 Toyota JZS161
12010465 Toyota JZA80
12010466 Toyota JZZ30
12020479 Nissan PS13
12020480 Nissan S14/S15
12020481 Nissan HCR32
12020482 Nissan ECR33
12010421 and 12040422 Mazda FC3S
There isn't a Spec LS kit available for my car!
In some cases, particularly with non-Japanese cars, custom applications, or rarer vehicles, there is no piping kit available. In this instance, the GReddy Spec LS Universal Intercooler Core is available as a universal item with no piping. We currently have these on sale at just $379!
JDM Obsession brand profile: SuperPro
Ask any mechanic out there about replacement bushes and it is likely that he or she will recommend the legendary SuperPro brand. You might have heard about SuperPro before, but in this article we will explain what sets SuperPro bushes apart from other brands.
The SuperPro brand was created in 1976 by the current Managing Director of Fulcrum Suspensions, Graham Scudamore-Smith. From the very beginning at their Brisbane factory, Fulcrum had a fundamental principal which continues in their business practices to this day: to be innovators, not imitators.
Through constant in-house professional research and development, SuperPro has become renowned as one of the best polyurethane bush products in the world. Unlike many of their competitors, all SuperPro bushes are manufactured in Australia – and then distributed all over the world!
What can I expect when I buy a SuperPro product?
Here is an indication of what can be expected:
- Improved steering response
- Improved control
- Improved stability
- Less 'wander'
- Long product life
- Low maintenance
- More money in your wallet (SuperPro products are great value!)
How are SuperPro products made?
SuperPro products are made in Australia using a unique formulation method. This essentially involves the reaction of various types of isocyanate resin with curing agents, to produce an extremely durable material with the best features of rubber and plastic. This unique type of polyurethane means that the ‘new car feel’ remains for the life of the vehicle after installation
Unlike other products on the market, SuperPro bushes remain constant in durometer (hardness) – even in harsh off-road conditions. Rubber bushes, in comparison, increase in durometer (hardness) when compressed, lowering their ability to function correctly. The ability of SuperPro bushes to return to their natural shape after compression means that Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) is greatly reduced in the longer term
Not only do SuperPro products allow you to maintain optimal steering geometry, they can also enhance the handling and ride characteristics of any vehicle. When required, SuperPro products are supplied with precision machined aluminium castings which mean fitment is a breeze. An emphasis on product quality and strict manufacturing tolerances means you can be assured of perfect fitment every time.
You can purchase any SuperPro item for your S13 Silvia/180SX here. You can purchase any SuperPro item for your S14 or S15 Silvia/200SX here.
The SuperPro catalogue is huge, with thousands of products available for a wide variety of vehicles - too many to list on our website! To browse the SuperPro catalogue, visit http://www.superpro.com.au. As an authorised reseller for Fulcrum Suspensions, we can supply you with any product from the SuperPro catalogue at an unbeatable price. Feel free to email or call us today with any SuperPro enquiry!
Welcome to Obsessed – the JDM Obsession Blog!
I know what you are thinking...
'Here we go, another blog...zzzzzz!'
Well, yes - this is another blog. And yes, it may not be thrilling all the time. However, we will do our best to have some unique and original content featured here.
It won't all be JDM Obsession related either. We hope to bring you some insights from the industry that we are involved in, as well as the occasional opinion piece which may well make angry readers take to the streets with burning torches and pitch forks.
Now the promises are out of the way, allow me to explain a little bit about JDM Obsession.
What is JDM Obsession?
JDM Obsession is a business that specialises in performance parts for imported Japanese vehicles. We have been trading successfully for over a year, so we are a relatively 'young' business. We have, however, had an 'obsession' with Japanese vehicles for many more years! Our business is fairly unique in that we offer great products, great pricing, and speedy delivery. We don't have a retail shop front. We don't have expensive demo cars and $100,000+ engine builds. We don't have a workshop. What we do have is a small warehouse where we ship goods worldwide on a daily basis.
Why JDM Obsession?
It is no secret that there are a huge amount of businesses in the performance parts industry, each vying for your hard earned dollars. Thus it is not an unreasonable to ask 'Why should I purchase from JDM Obsession?'. We believe that we have many advantages over other businesses in the industry:
- Great prices
We keep our overheads as low as possible. We don't have expensive demo cars, we don't have to pay rent on a retail shop front, and we aren't greedy! So when you purchase from JDM Obsession, you know that we are always working hard to offer you the best deals. All prices we quote include all applicable taxes and duties. Freight is charged at cost. We also have the JDM Obsession Price Promise. We believe that price alone should never be a reason to shop elsewhere. The JDM Obsession Price Promise means that if you can find a cheaper price, we will do our best to match it. We regularly monitor competitor prices to make sure our products are priced the cheapest. If you find something cheaper, let us know and we will do our best to match it.
- Speedy and secure delivery
Unlike a lot of businesses, we keep the vast majority of our listed items in stock at our warehouse. We also make every effort to dispatch orders the same day that payment is received. Most items will typically arrive the next business day after your payment is received. We use only the fastest and most reliable freight services.
- Phone and email support
This is very important. JDM Obsession's pro tip for the day: if a business doesn't have a phone number that you can contact them on, what happens if things go wrong? If (like us) you purchase a lot of things from the internet, you have probably had at least one negative experience where a seller didn't deliver what was promised. It is relatively easy for the unscrupulous vendors to ignore emails; less so if they are phone calls. If a business or vendor on the internet does not have a phone number listed, ask yourself why? Are they moonlighting as a taxi driver? Are they operating overseas? Are they located in Nigeria or on an oil rig? Whilst there are a huge amount of e-businesses that presently operate without listing a phone number and are legitimate, make sure you take every effort to ensure this is the case!
- Genuine quality brands
We only use brands that have used and trust. All of the brands that we sell for are known in the industry to have high quality. We take pride in the fact that we are authorised dealers for a large range of Australian and Japanese performance brands. Every item that we sell is backed by the factory warranty.
- We are enthusiasts - just like you!
Just like you, we live, breathe, modify, and drive Japanese performance vehicles. We know what it is like to dream about the next mod to your pride and joy, and are have been involved in the 'car scene' for many years.
So you sell parts. What is this blog all about then?
A lot of our customers have been asking for tech DIY articles, industry news, and updates on our Project S13 that we are building. This blog will allow us to share all this and more with our customers and the general public.
So stay tuned for more blog posts. Don't hesitate to send us your feedback either, whether it is good or bad!